From Lou Dalton to Topman and Mr Hare, model David Gandy rounds up his
highlights of the first day of London Collections: Men

I’m a huge supporter of London Collections: Men and of all thing British, and this week provides a fantastic platform to showcase of all the great talent we have here - and provides an opportunity for us to shout about what we do best.

We all had to get our style on for the opening events on Sunday evening.Rake magazinemarked the start of the season with champagne at Claridges, followed by a party at Dolce and Gabbana, where I was sat next to the lovely Kylie Minogue and then on for private drinks at David Furnish’s house - much more of an exciting Sunday evening than sitting at home in front of the TV.

Lou Dalton (Photo: EPA)

A very wet, dark and early Monday morning couldn’t dampen my spirits, such was the huge anticipation for the start of the fourth LC:M. A breakfast hosted by the chairman of LC:M, Dylan Jones, was followed by the first catwalk show asLou Dalton opened for the second season and set a really high standard. It's obviously an honour to open the shows but also, I imagine, a lot of pressure.

Lou Dalton (Photo: PA)

Topmanimpressed with its Fifties-style pleated wide-legged trousers, something that Gordon Richardson (Creative Director of Topman) joked that he’d seen me in a couple of seasons ago, and I absolutely adored the almost full-length wide overcoats. It’s always great for a designer to explain his collection, so that the rest of us can fully understand the concept, so it was great to catch up with Gordon after the show - one of the perks of me being an Ambassador for LC:M. The finale of rain over the runway and the models was a spectacular ending… but then rain is something else which the British do well!

Topman Design

Mr Hare, one of the true modern gentlemen of British fashion, presented at one of my favourite London locations, Elms Lesters Studio, demonstrating his urban, sartorial style - which I loved.

Topman Design (Photo: EPA)

Travelling around the shows and presentations has been made a lot more comfortable thanks to Land Rover who leant me a brand new Range Rover. The driver is from Capstar Chauffeurs, a company that employees and gives opportunities to injured ex-servicemen and women. Having fought for his country in Afghanistan and after losing a limb, our driver Dan is an inspiration and it’s a pleasure to have him as part of the team this week.